By Sainabou Sambou
A high-profile rape case involving a 10-year-old girl was adjourned on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after prosecutors told the High Court in Bakau that the minor victim cannot testify without the presence of a parent and a welfare officer.
Justice Omar Cham presided over the proceedings, which came to an abrupt halt when State Counsel M.D. Mballow informed the court that the prosecution was not ready to call its witnesses. Mballow requested a short adjournment to make necessary arrangements for the child’s testimony, citing the sensitive nature of the case and the legal protections required for minors.
According to court records, the accused person pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape when the matter first came up for plea on April 29, 2026. The charges are brought under Section 3(1)(a) and punishable under Section 4(1)(a)(iii)(bb) of the Sexual Offenses Act, 2013.
The prosecution alleges that on December 13, 2025, at about 7:00 p.m., the accused intentionally engaged in a sexual act with the 10-year-old girl by inserting his penis into her vagina under coercive circumstances. A second count claims that on December 14, 2025, at approximately the same time, the accused forcibly dragged the girl into his house and again raped her.
Mballow expressed regret over the delay, explaining that special arrangements are mandatory for a child of such tender age. “The alleged victim is a 10-year-old child and special arrangements must be made before the child can testify,” he said. He added that the girl would need the support of a parent and a welfare officer to provide counseling and emotional assistance during the traumatic process. The prosecution also indicated it would seek to determine whether the trial should be held in camera to protect the victim’s privacy.
Defense counsel Uduma did not oppose the adjournment but sharply criticized the prosecution’s preparedness. She argued that the State had failed to provide compelling reasons for the delay, noting that the victim’s age was already known and that six witnesses had been listed. “It would have been practical for the State to call at least one witness today,” Uduma submitted. She questioned how long the trial might be stalled if extensive counseling is required.
Justice Cham granted the request and adjourned the matter to Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. for hearing.
